Monday, 3 December 2012

Have you noticed the growth of man boobs since drinking energy drinks?

Has your shaving strangely cut down to once a month?

Can you sing along with Michael when you hear song “Billy Jean”?

Do you cry for no reason and then the next minute giggle like a school girl?

Have you experienced unexplained shrinkage?

If
you answered yes to any of the above questions, your beloved Energy
Drinks could be turning you into a woman. Now don’t get me wrong, women
are great and all, but most guys don’t want to become one, right?Well
it appears Energy Drinks are testing positive for the chemical,
Bisphenol A, which mimics the hormone estrogen. This chemical is often
used to line the inside of cans and new testing performed in Canada
showed alarming levels of this chemical in the drinks themselves.This
chemical is known to cause birth defects, but it is unclear if it
really causes damage in adults. However, it’s something to be aware of
and guys if you have any of the above symptoms you may want to have your
hormone levels checked!Source: TheDailyGreen.com

According to a study, reported in Mayo Clinic Proceedings,
whose abstract is listed below, suggests that Energy Drinks are taken
by the “weakened warriors” and “by those seeking an edge in an endurance
event” are harmful to health. These energy drinks contain excess amount
of sugar and caffeine and can make the user dehydrated.Researchers from the University of Texas Medical School, Houston also
warned that users who mixed drinks with alcohol also faced increased
heart rates and blood pressure and mental problems.Energy drinks are soft drinks advertised as boosting energy. These
drinks usually do not emphasize that the energy is derived from the
sugars that the drink contains, but rather through a choice of
stimulants, vitamins, and herbal supplements the manufacturer has
combined.
Generally, energy drinks include methylxanthines(including caffeine),
vitamin B and herbs. Other common ingredients are guarna, acai, and
taurine, plus various forms of ginseng, maltodextrin, carbonated water,
inositol, carnitine, creatinine, glucuronolactone and gingo biloba. Some
contain high levels of sugar, and many brands also offer
artificially-sweetened ‘diet’ versions. The central ingredient in most
energy drinks is caffiene, the same stimulant found in coffee or tea,
often in the form of guarana or yerba mate.Countries including Norway, Denmark and France have banned Red Bull
after one study showed rats that “were fed taurine and exhibited
bizarre behaviour, including anxiety and self-mutilation”.

Exercise is making a resurgence in many countries, given
its benefits for fitness as well as prevention of obesity. This trend
has spawned many supplements that purport to aid
performance, muscle growth, and recovery. Initially, sports drinks were
developed to provide electrolyte and carbohydrate
replacement. Subsequently, energy beverages (EBs) containing stimulants
and additives have appeared in most gyms and
grocery stores and are being used increasingly by “weekend warriors”
and those seeking an edge in an endurance event.
Long-term exposure to the various components of EBs may result in
significant alterations in the cardiovascular
system, and the safety of EBs has not been fully established. For this
review, we searched the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases
from 1976 through May 2010, using the following keywords: energy beverage, energy drink, power drink, exercise, caffeine, red bull, bitter orange, glucose, ginseng, guarana, and taurine.
Evidence regarding the effects of EBs is summarized, and practical
recommendations are made to help in answering the patient
who asks, “Is it safe for me to drink an energy beverage when I
exercise?”

The researchers reviewed medical literature on energy drinks and their ingredients between 1976 and 2010.They found that the caffeine content of energy drinks ranged from 70
to 200 mg per 16-oz serving. By comparison, an 8-oz cup of coffee
could contain between 40 to 150 mg of caffeine.Dr Higgins, the lead researcher, said that by not publishing ingredients added to the problem.“Manufacturers can put whatever in them, advertise however and people
consume however. Whenever you have a situation like this, you are
going to run into problems,” he said.Non-athletes should drink no more than one a day, never mix them with alcohol, and drink lots of water after exercising.People with hypertension should never drink them, and people with
health conditions such as heart disease should consult their doctors
before using the drinks, he said.--------------------

NEWS FOX Published October 25, 2012

Energy drinks do not always divulge
how much caffeine they contain, and when an amount is listed on a label,
it is not always accurate, Consumer Reports magazine has found.

According
to a study released on Thursday by the magazine, 11 of the 27
top-selling energy drinks in the United States do not specify the amount
of caffeine in their beverages.

Of the 16 drinks that did list a
specific caffeine amount, five had more caffeine per serving than was
listed and the average amount over was more than 20 percent.

The
study comes fast on the heels of news that U.S. health regulators are
investigating reports of five deaths that may be associated with Monster
Beverage Corp's Monster Energy drink.

At the same time Monster,
maker of the top-selling energy drink in the United States, is being
sued by the family of a 14-year-old girl with a heart condition who died
after drinking two Monster Energy drinks in a 24-hour period.

The
lawsuit and reports of other deaths could escalate calls from critics
including two U.S. senators and the New York attorney general about the
safety of the beverages and the way they are marketed.

Caffeine level not required

Aside
from companies not wanting to give away their secret recipes, Consumer
Reports said there was another reason why some beverage labels do not
reveal exact caffeine levels.

"There is no legal or commercial
business requirement to do so," a Monster Beverage official told
Consumer Reports. "And because our products are completely safe, and the
actual numbers are not meaningful to most consumers."

Caffeine
levels in the drinks tested ranged from about 6 milligrams per serving
for 5-Hour Energy Decaf, made by Living Essentials, to 242 milligrams
for 5-Hour Energy Extra Strength, the report found.

The drinks
that Consumer Reports found that contained more caffeine than was listed
on their labels included Arizona Energy, Clif Shot Turbo Energy Gel and
Sambazon Organic Amazon Energy, as well as Dr Pepper Snapple Group
Inc's Venom Energy and Nestle Jamba, sold by a partnership of Nestle and
Jamba Inc.

One sample of its Archer Farms Energy Drink Juice
Infused beverage had about 70 percent less caffeine than advertised, the
report found. Archer Farms is the private label of retailer Target
Corp.

We live in a world where it isn’t unusual to be running on just a few
hours of sleep. This is because there are many demands put upon our
daily lives. For example, you may have to work a 12-hour shift at work,
spend another few hours in class and then come home to a screaming baby
that won’t go to sleep. In that case, an energy drink may provide a much
needed boost. However, is it safe for you?The Key Is Always ModerationDrinking a single energy drink is not going to hurt you. In fact, if
you drink them in moderation, it isn’t much worse than drinking a daily
cup of coffee. In both cases, you are getting an increased dose of
caffeine that will help wake you up and get you going for the day.However, you should try not to drink more than one or two a day at
the very most. There is a lot of sugar and other chemicals that are put
in the drinks to give you that energy boost. A single 12 ounce can of a
typical energy drink has more sugar and caffeine than even the sugariest
soda.Drinking too many energy drinks can leave you jittery, hyperactive,
and unable to sleep at night. Once the drink wears off, you are going to
feel more lethargic than you did before. This means that you will have
no choice but to grab another energy drink.Never Mix Energy Drinks With AlcoholIn recent years, it has become popular to mix energy drinks with
alcohol. While this creates the impression that you are more awake and
less drunk, the truth is that it is just masking the impact of the
drinks that you are consuming. Drinks such as Four Loko that were sold
with alcohol in them have been banned in some states.There is no way to lessen the impact that an alcoholic drink has on
your body. Once it is in your system, the only way it leaves is by
giving it time. Mixing a Red Bull with your drink is not going to help
you drive home. In fact, it can actually make things worse for you.If you don’t think that you are as drunk as you are, you will be
tempted to drink even more. This can lead to alcohol poisoning and other
negative consequences that are associated with excessive drinking. You
could get into a car crash, say something you regret, or do something
even worse.Avoid Energy Drinks If You Have Heart IssuesWhen you drink something with sugar in it, your body gets a bolt of
adrenaline. You are jolted awake and your nervous system starts working
harder. This will ultimately put more stress on your heart to keep
pumping blood to your body.Most healthy people can handle pretty large doses of caffeine in
their systems. However, doctors warn that those with health problems can
see negative health effects from drinking too many energy drinks. In a
worst case scenario, you could even die from drinking a single energy
drink.Again, healthy people will not die from consuming an energy drink.
But, if you have any health issues at all, consult your doctor before
drinking any sort of energy drink. You could be putting yourself in a
world of danger that you don’t even know about.Teenagers Should Stay Away From These DrinksTeenagers should be highly discouraged from drinking energy drinks.
The biggest reason is that teenagers need more sleep than other age
groups. Energy drinks are a great way to lose sleep at night. This means
that an average teenager could be grouchy, irritable and unable to
perform well in school.There may also be concentration issues during class. It is hard to
sit still during a movie or lecture when you are shaking because you
have ingested so much sugar. This can lead to discipline issues that
could lead to other consequences in the future.Teenagers are still developing physically. They don’t have mature
immune systems and other body structures that can handle the extra
sugar. While an adult can handle several energy drinks in a day, a
teenager may not be able to. Parents should monitor what their children
are drinking on a daily basis to make sure that they are safe. It should
be noted that childhood obesity is caused partially by ingesting too
much sugar.A healthy adult will certainly be able to drink an energy drink
without too many issues. However, teenagers and those with health issues
should stay away from them at all costs. Keep in mind that healthy
adults will still suffer from issues such as obesity, tooth issues due
to the sugar as well as possible hyperactivity. Therefore, these drinks
should be consumed in moderation and without any alcohol added. As with
anything else, you have to be responsible for what you put in your body.

Energy drinks have exploded in
popularity during the past 10 years. Most of these products include a
proprietary blend of ingredients. Some drinks come in a beverage can,
whereas others such as Liftoff come in a tablet form. According to the
Herbalife website, Liftoff contains substances known to enhance mental
performance and boost energy. While often effective, these ingredients
can cause allergic reactions in some people. Speak with a licensed
physician before consuming a large quantity of energy drinks.

CaffeineMost
energy drinks contain caffeine -- a substance known to increase
performance and alertness. Ingesting this stimulant provides benefits to
athletes in both individual and team sports, according to a December
2010 review in "Sports Medicine." Yet, caffeine can also cause side
effects. An article published in the 2011 volume of the "Polish Heart
Journal" describes some of these effects. Large doses can elevate blood
pressure and cholesterol count. Pregnant women should also avoid the
stimulant. It can have adverse effects on the growth and heart of the
fetus.

GuaranaThe
Paullinia cupana plant -- better known as guarana -- remains popular
despite safety concerns. Guarana has a protective effect on your body as
habitual users appear less likely to develop diabetic symptoms,
according to a February 2011 report in "Phytotherapy Research." Many
over-the-counter supplements adversely affect the kidneys. A case report
presented in the March 2007 issue of "Orvosi Hetilap" suggests that
long-term use of guarana leads to organ damage. Years of supplementation
caused kidney failure in a 30-year-old female patient. This damage
disappeared when the women stopped taking guarana.

GinsengGinseng
can slow the aging process and improve thinking, according to a
December 2009 review in the "Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine."
These benefits may come at a price as ginseng can also cause allergic
reactions. A clinical trial described in the July 2004 edition of the
"Annals of Medicine" discovered a potential drug interaction associated
with ginseng use. Participants taking warfarin, a blood-thinning drug,
also received ginseng for three weeks. Relative to baseline, ginseng
significantly reduced the effectiveness of warfarin. This change could
prove fatal in some cases.

TaurineBeverage
makers often add the organic acid taurine to their energy drinks. This
substance reduces fatigue and enhances performance, according to a
February 2004 article in "Amino Acids." Taurine also helps the body
process sugar. A study published in the 2011 volume of "Biomedical
Research" showed that its antioxidant effects protect the body from
diabetic damage. Yet, these beneficial effects can cause problems as
well. A February 2002 report in "Platelets" indicates that taurine
reduces blood coagulation by about 10 percent. This change could prevent
wound healing in susceptible people.

GinkgoThe
Ginkgo biloba tree provided traditional societies several medicines.
Modern researchers have obtained documentation for some of these alleged
effects. Ginkgo improves symptoms of dementia, according to a 2011
paper in "Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment." It might also relieve
ear ringing in patients with hearing loss. Effective in the short-term,
the long-term safety of ginkgo remains unknown. A review published in
the January 2008 issue of the "Journal of Food Science" described
several possible side effects of ginkgo. Most reactions are mild, but
some can be severe. Doctors, for example, have observed near fatal cases
of internal bleeding following extended ginkgo use.

Herbal
Life is a company that produces a wide range of nutrition products,
from vitamin supplements and diet pills to protein snacks and digestive
health supplements. While these supplements may be beneficial to your
health, you should research the ingredients in each supplement to avoid
possible side effects. Even if a product has positive reviews, your
results may vary. Consult your doctor before using any Herbal Life
supplements to discuss their safety and efficacy.

Hypotension: Cell-U-LossCell-U-Loss
is a supplement marketed by Herbal Life to help you decrease bodily
fluid retention. This product contains a number of ingredients, most of
them herbs. One herb in the Cell-U-Loss formula is hydrangea, which may
cause hypotension, or low blood pressure, according to the Silberg
Center for Dental Science. Hypotension is a condition that may cause
fainting, shock and dizziness. The Silberg Center notes that hydrangea
may be especially dangerous when used in conjunction with high blood
pressure medication.

Cancer Risk: Total Control

Total
Control is a weight management supplement that is intended to increase
your metabolism, increase your energy levels, and promote healthy weight
loss. Total Control is similar to many other weight loss supplements
because it contains stimulants such as caffeine and yerba mate.
According to Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D., yerba mate may promote
weight loss, but it also has a number of side effects--including
increased cancer risk. According to Zeratsky, regular intake of yerba
mate may increase your risk of cancers such as those of the lungs, mouth
and esophagus. Zeratsky does note that the risk is probably small,
however.

Difficulty Sleeping: LiftOff

LiftOff
is an energy supplement produced by Herbal Life. This product comes in
the form of a tablet that dissolves in water. LiftOff contains a number
of stimulants to increase energy, but these ingredients may also cause
side effects, including difficulty sleeping, or insomnia. Herbal Life
LiftOff contains caffeine, a common stimulant that may cause sleeping
problems, according to the University of Maryland Medical Clinic. In
addition, LiftOff contains guarana, which the website Drugs.com explains
may cause anxiety, nervousness and trouble sleeping. Due to these side
effects, you should not take LiftOff within several hours of bed time.

Guarana
tea is made from the berries of the guarana plant, a bush native to the
Amazon river basin. Indigenous peoples of the Amazon rainforest have
used guarana as an herbal medicine to treat many ailments, including
headache. Like any health supplement, consult your doctor before taking
guarana.HeadacheGuarana may be an
effective short-term treatment for headaches, according to the
University of Colorado Denver College of Pharmacy. However, guarana is
not recommended for treatment of chronic headache, and should not be
taken for more than seven days in a row, in order to reduce the risk of
side effects such as nausea, anxiety, irritability and increased heart
rate.TeaGuarana
tea is often made by dissolving powered guarana berries in hot water.
For optimal results, combine a half to 1 tsp. of powdered guarana with 8
oz. of hot water, recommends CrazyForTea.com. Alternatively, purified
guarana supplements can be taken, at a dose of 200 to 800 mg, reports A
Nurse's Guide to Herbal Remedies.Active IngredientThe
likely active ingredient in guarana tea responsible for the effect on
headache is caffeine, explains the New York University Langone Medical
Center. Although other related stimulants, including theobromine and
theophylline, may also play a role. Caffeine is often an effective
treatment for headaches for people who do not regularly consume
caffeine, according to an article published in the May 2007 issue of the
medical journal "Neurological Sciences."Too Much CaffeineWhile
occasional consumption of caffeine, in guarana tea or other forms, may
be beneficial for headaches, frequent consumption of guarana tea may
actual result in more headaches, warns the article in "Neurological
Sciences." Long-term consumption of caffeine can lead to physical
dependence, which causes withdrawal in the absence of caffeine. One of
the common symptoms of caffeine withdrawal is headache, sometimes
chronic headaches.ReferencesArticle reviewed by Tina Boyle Last updated on: Sep 1, 2011 | By Matthew Busse

Diet soda and other sugary drinks are causing obesity in the world. You should avoid taking these beverages at all cost as these are not only harmful to health but also very addictive. Choose healthier alternatives such as Goji Berry Juice.